Flames hang tough despite subpar season

PLYMOUTH – It was a rough 2009 baseball season for the Plymouth Flames but they were very competitive in several games and maintained a good work ethic and attitude.

“There were times we played poorly this season but on the whole, we were seldom outclassed and actually played a number of quality games against tough competition,” said Flame player-manager Rick Meyer.

“I was happy that our team never quit.

“Obviously from a win-loss perspective, the season was very disappointing. Coming off two secondplace finishes, we were hopeful to continue the trend and even compete for a championship,” Meyer said.

The Flames finished only seventh in the Land O’ Lakes Baseball League Northern Division with a 5-13 record and were a disappointing 8-19 overall. They took second in the division race and division tournament the previous two years and were 19-10 overall in 2009.

A lack of pitching depth and not having a regular starting lineup were two key reasons for the ballclub’s struggles. Two key players – Kyle Boehm and Jordan Vater – didn’t play this season due to other commitments. Boem was an all-division pitcher last year and had an impressive 2.33 ERA.

“I think the main reason for the tough season was that we were playing with some missing parts. We lost two of our top pitchers in Kyle Boehm and Jordan Vater who were also our starting second baseman [Vater] and shortstop [Boehm] when they weren’t pitching,” Meyer pointed out.

“We just didn’t have the parts to replace them and we had to play some guys out of position to fill in. Everyone did their best but those are key elements to lose. Plus, our roster is aging and I think that may be a factor as well.

“Finally, I think the fact that we have so many part-time players is starting to catch up to us. It’s hard to find a groove when every game features a different lineup,” the player-manager said.

Meyer was concerned going into the season because of the team’s roster situation.

“No one likes to lose and it is hard to go through a season like this – knowing that most games will be a challenge,” he said.

“However, very early in the season, it was apparent that things would be hard this season. I wouldn’t say that I accepted it but I realized that it would be tough, given this year’s roster makeup.”

There were bright spots for the Flames, according to Meyer.

“I was happy with the steps Evan Walsh made in becoming a solid starter for us. He threw some good games and we could count on him to give us significant innings in most games,” Meyer noted.

“Also, Clay Comerford had a nice year at the plate for his rookie season. In addition to his typical stellar defensive play, Eric Heidenreiter had possibly his best season as a Flame at the plate. Paul Gloede chipped in with another solid year at the plate.”

Meyer said the season highlights were beating Saukville and Thiensville-Mequon, who were upperdivision teams, and playing division champion Cedarburg strong in two games – both heartbreaking losses for Plymouth. The Flames led the Mercs late in both games.

“The games [versus Cedarburg] were symbolic of the season. They proved we could play with anyone, but also demonstrated how we were a few parts short in the end,” recalled Meyer.

Meyer offered his outlook on next season.

“2010 is one filled with question marks. At this time, we are unsure if anyone is retiring,” said.

“However, due to our sub-.500 season, we will be awarded four draft picks to go outside of the school district next year if we choose per league bylaws.

“We count on our younger local talent but depth is a problem. Hopefully that will change with our local boys coming out in greater numbers. We will definitely be on the lookout for pitching and middle infield help, and perhaps another catching prospect,” Meyer said.

FINAL SEASON STATS

Justin Gephart led the Flames in batting with a .329 average and hits, 26. Chris Bennin had a team-high 19 RBIs and tied for first in doubles with Dusty Medved and Ryan Wachter at three each.

Wachter led in runs scored with 17. Heidenreiter hit a team-best six triples and was first in steals at 17. Medved had the team’s only home run.

Chad Nickolai led the pitching staff in ERA with 3.92. Nickolai walked only four batters in 41-1/3 innings. Walsh had a team-high six wins and 104 strikeouts in 94-2/3 innings.
FINAL PLYMOUTH FLAMES
BASEBALL STATISTICS
Batting Leaders
Avg.
Justin Gephart……………..……….……... .329

Paul Gloede……………………..………….. .319
Clay Comerford……….…….…………….. .295
RBI
Chris Bennin..……………………………..……19
Dusty Medved……………………………..……13
Eric Heidenreiter…………………..……....…13
Pitching Leaders
W L ERA
Chad Nickolai………………….…..2 2 3.92
Evan Walsh……………………..…..6 4 4.47